For Patients

Epipen (epinephrine) is a drug used for the treatment of emergency allergic reactions including anaphylaxis to stinging insects and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostics testing substances and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Some side effects include but are not limited to upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, nervousness, weakness, pale skin, headache, and shaking hands that are not controllable. Serious side effects may occur with epinephrine. Side effects and drug interactions should be reviewed prior to administering epinephrine.

Epipen Auto-Injector (0.15 and 0.3mg strengths) health care professionals should ensure that the patient or caregiver understands the indications and use of these products. Inject Epipen intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Do not inject into the buttock. Epinephrine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Pediatric patients under 15 kg have more risk of developing adverse reactions with Epipen.

Our Epipen (epinephrine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is Patient Information in Detail?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Before using epinephrine a second time, call your doctor if your first injection caused a serious side effect such as increased breathing difficulty, or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

sweating;

nausea and vomiting;

pale skin;

feeling short of breath;

dizziness;

weakness or tremors;

headache; or

feeling nervous or anxious.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, vision changes, seizures, confusion.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse reactions to epinephrine include transient, moderate
anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating;
palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory
difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses
of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with hypertension or
hyperthyroidism. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, have been
reported in patients with underlying cardiac disease or certain drugs (see PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS). Rapid rises in blood pressure have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease.
Angina may occur in patients with coronary artery disease. The potential for
epinephrine to produce these types of adverse reactions does not contraindicate
its use in an acute life-threatening allergic reaction.

Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area (see WARNINGS).
Adverse events experienced as a result of accidental injections may include
increased heart rate, local reactions including injection site pallor, coldness
and hypoaesthesia or injury at the injection site resulting in bruising,
bleeding, discoloration, erythema or skeletal injury.